What is the singular most important fact about the Polygraph Examination everyone should remember?
Everyone should remember that if they lie in the polygraph examination, the Polygraph instrument WILL detect deception.
Can anyone force me to take a Polygraph examination?
No. If for any reason you don’t want to take the examination, you should certainly refuse the test.
What is crucial to remember when searching for a Polygraph Examiner?
Make sure that the Examiner has completed Polygraph Examiner training at one of the American Polygraph Association accredited institutions. The American Polygraph Association requires at least ten weeks training. This will ensure that a validated Polygraph examination is conducted.
Who uses Polygraph examinations?
According to the American Polygraph Association there are over 57 countries using Polygraph testing within three major segments of communities; Law-enforcement and national security agencies (for pre-employment checking of police candidates and/or screening of existing officers and agents), Legal community (to determine the truthfulness of accuser’s statements) Private Sector (security companies, corporate organizations, insurance companies etc.), Correctional and Social Services (dealing with sex offenders and child abusers), and private citizens (in matters not involving the legal or justice system).
Who gets the test results?
Polygraph test results can only be given to an examinee or anyone specifically designated in writing by the examinee: person(s), firm, corporation, or governmental agency, who requested the examination.
How accurate is Polygraph?
The polygraph examination is the only lie detection technique that has proven independent scientific reliability and validity studies and peer acceptance in the world. It is the only International lie detection method directly used by many state and federal government agencies for investigative, security and intelligence purposes than any other detection of deception technique available. The Polygraph instrument is the only reliable, validated tool for detection of deception.
The American Polygraph Association has a compendium of 80 research projects involving 6,380 examinations. Researchers conducted 12 field studies of the validity of field examinations, following 2,174 field examinations, providing on average accuracy of 98%. In addition researchers conducted 11 studies involving the reliability of independent analysis of 1,609 charts from field examinations confirming by independent evidence, providing an average accuracy of 92%.
I’m telling the truth, but I’m nervous about taking the examination. How does the instrument tell the difference between nervousness and lying?
It is quite normal for an innocent person to be nervous, and the Polygraph examiner is aware of this. A truthful person may be nervous because he/she is afraid of the unknown. More importantly, nervousness on the Polygraph readings does not appear to be deception to the Polygraph examiner, therefore it does not prevent an examiner from distinguishing between truth and untruth.
I have high blood pressure. Would it look as though I am lying?
While blood pressure is one of the principal Polygraph recordings, high or low blood pressure does not cause the characteristic pattern that results when a person is untruthful. An untruthful answer appears on a Polygraph chart as a characteristic pattern different from that created by either of these conditions. A truthful answer is readily apparent, even though a person has a blood pressure problem. If you are currently under treatment because of a heart condition or any mental condition, be sure to tell the Polygraphist about it.
Does the test hurt? Will I get an electric shock?
No, the test does not hurt and there is no possibility of you getting an electric shock. It is most important that during the examination you be as comfortable as possible. The only thing you will experience is a slight pressure on the arm because of the standard blood pressure which may cause your arm to tingle or fall asleep. This is the same kind of upper arm cuff a doctor uses to determine your blood pressure.
Suppose the instrument says I’m lying when I’m not?
The Polygraph can not “say” anything. It merely records on a chart your bodily reactions to the questions being asked. It is up to the Polygraphist to “read” the information your body provides, and he or she does so with a high degree of accuracy. In addition, the computerized polygraph systems used at HNS has built in internal algoritms to quality control the decisions made by the examiner and assure that the results are accurate.
I heard there would be questions about my sex habits?
Personal and intrusive questions have no place in a properly conducted Polygraph examination. Questions concerning you sex habits or preferences, beliefs or opinions regarding racial matters or union affiliations, have no place in a Polygraph examination, unless these are the issues that eed to be resolved in your particular case.
Will I know beforehand what the test questions will be?
Yes. You will be told word for word the exact questions on the test ahead of time and you will only be asked those questions you consent on. The examinations itself requires “yes” and “no” answers. The Polygraphist will discuss the questions with you and reword them if necessary until you can easily answer “yes” or “no” to each one. The test will not begin until you are comfortable with the questions.
Will there be any trick questions?
No. The Polygraph examiner is counting on your trust in him/her and your co-operation. The examiner cannot expect your trust or co-operation if they do something which leads you to mistrust him/her. You will know the questions before the test begins. If you do not wish to have a certain question(s) asked, just let the Polygraphist know when he reads the questions to you before the test begins and they will not ask it.
I feel that a Polygraph Examination is an invasion of my privacy.
A competent Polygraph examiner is interested only in determining if you have been truthful about a particular statement. If you agree to be examined, it can hardly be termed as an invasion of privacy. Of course, if you do not agree, no examination will be administered. A Polygraph examination cannot be administered without the voluntary consent of the person being examined.
How long does the Polygraph examination take?
Most examinations take approximately 2.5 hours. This includes the pre-test interview, question formulation, introduction to the Polygraph instrument, Polygraph test itself and interpretation of charts. The actual part of the examination in which you are attached to the Polygraph instrument is usually 15 or 20 minutes.
If I take the Polygraph examination, whose side is the Polygraphist going to be on?
Neither side. The aim of the Polygraphist is to seek the truth. He or she must give careful attention to every person being examined. Every person, whether truthful or not, has the right to be examined with dignity and impartiality.
Is a Polygraph admissible in court?
Yes, if ruled on by the judge. The judge is least likely to use a polygraph test if it was given by an unaccredited examiner. There is a great deal of activity in the court system today regarding the use of the polygraph, the laws are changing rapidly.
How can you beat a Polygraph?
You can’t. If the examinee KNOWS they are lying, the polygraph with detect the lie.
How can I tell if the Polygraphist knows what he/she is doing?
This is probably the most important question you should ask before you consent to taking a Polygraph examination. If you have read the preceding questions and answers carefully, you know what is expected of a qualified ethical Polygraphist. If he/she departs from the above described standards, you should seriously question their professionalism. You would not consent to surgery by an unqualified doctor, so you should not consent to a Polygraph examination by an unqualified Polygraphist. There is a method of inquiring about the professionalism of the Polygraphist’s reputation. Find out if he/she is appropriately qualified by an accredited institution to administer a Polygraph examination. For example, be certain that he/she has had specific training/education to become a Polygraphist. Every professional Polygraph examiner should be proud to present his/her professional credentials. There are professional societies with membership limited to the professional Polygraphist. Any professionally trained Forensic Psychophysiologist (Polygraph examiner) should belong to a relevant Professional body. The biggest and most reputable organization is the American Polygraph Association, which through its Ethics and Grievance Committee, fairly and impartially investigates all allegations of misconduct against members of its Association. If a person claims or advertises that he/she is a Polygraph examiner, yet he/she cannot or does not want to produce the evidence of his professional training with an accredited institution and membership with a relevant association, do not consent to a Polygraph examination by that person.
FAQ from the Journal of Polygraph Studies, Volume IV, No. 1, July-August, 1969
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